Share via e-mail

A state trooper who was allegedly drunk when he crashed his vehicle into a car carrying a mother and her daughter in Plymouth, killing them both, will have a hearing on Wednesday morning to determine his job status while the criminal case against him is pending.

The duty status hearing for John J. Basler, 25 of Kingston, will determine whether he will be suspended while he faces charges of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and carrying a firearm while under the influence of liquor in connection with the June 22 crash, according to authorities. Basler was off-duty at the time of the crash.

State Police have temporarily relieved Basler of duty and have revoked his license to carry a firearm.

The head-on collision claimed the lives of Susan Macchi, 64, and her 23-year-old daughter, Juliet Macchi, both of Carver.

It was not immediately clear on Monday night if an arraignment date had been set for Basler. It was also not known who is representing him.

Police have said more charges could be brought in the case. A decision on additional charges was still pending Monday, said a spokeswoman for the Plymouth district attorney’s office.

David Procopio, a State Police spokesman, said in a statement that troopers are “doing the reconstruction of the crash. We will do so objectively, following the evidence and the science of reconstruction, and will report the findings, whatever they may be, to Plymouth Police to assist them in determining if other charges are warranted.”

He added, “We are cognizant of the immense tragedy suffered by the Macchi family. We are devastated by their immeasurable loss.”